Critics Slam Punjab Government for Excluding Hindu Voices from Minority Celebrations

Minority Week Begins in Punjab Amid Criticism Over Hindu Community’s Exclusion

Lahore 7 August Ali Imran Chattha 

The Punjab government inaugurated its first-ever "Minority Week" on Wednesday, aimed at fostering national unity, promoting interfaith harmony, and showing solidarity with the Pakistan Army ahead of Independence Day. However, the event has sparked criticism due to the visible absence of Hindu community leaders, raising serious concerns over inclusivity and representation.

The launch ceremony was held at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection in Lahore. Attendees included Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Secretary for Human Rights Fareed Ahmad Tarar, members of the provincial assembly, diplomats, civil society activists, and religious leaders, primarily from Christian and Sikh communities.

As part of the symbolic activities, participants planted a sapling at the church, followed by prayers led by Bishop Nadeem Kamran for peace and harmony. The ceremony echoed patriotic sentiments with chants such as “Long Live Pakistan Army” and highlighted the army’s contributions, particularly during Operation Binyan Mersous.

An interfaith caravan then embarked on a tour of major religious and cultural landmarks, including Krishna Mandir, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Badshahi Mosque, Allama Iqbal’s Mausoleum, and Minar-e-Pakistan. Ceremonies, tree plantations, and prayers were held at each stop.

Lack of Hindu Representation Draws Criticism

Despite Krishna Mandir being included in the caravan's itinerary, no Hindu leaders were given speaking roles or visibly represented in the event. Activists and observers have labeled the absence as a symbolic failure of inclusion, particularly given the substantial Hindu population in southern Punjab and Bahawalpur, many of whom have political affiliations with the ruling party.

“This looked more like a state-managed PR exercise than an honest effort at interfaith dialogue,” said a civil society member who asked not to be named.

Symbolism vs. Substance

Although Minority Week was portrayed as a gesture of inclusivity, critics argue it failed to address key issues facing minority communities, such as:

Political underrepresentation

Religious site protection

Socioeconomic marginalization

Legal discrimination

Participants in the caravan included MPAs Sonia Asher, Baba Fabulous, Shaqeela Arthur, Emmanuel Athar, and Tariq Gill, along with members of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC). Youth participation was notable but largely ceremonial.

Calls for Broader Engagement

Human rights advocates have called on the Punjab government to ensure genuine inclusivity in future events by actively engaging Hindu, Baha’i, Kalash, and other underrepresented communities. They stress that true harmony can only be achieved through policy reforms, equal representation, and authentic dialogue — not just symbolic observances.